Tribute: Lorna Irungu-Macharia

It is with great sadness that Worldreader announces the passing of Lorna Irungu- Macharia, a leading member of the Worldreader Board of Directors in Kenya. Lorna passed on 22 March 2021 from COVID-19. She is survived by her husband Edwin Macharia, global managing partner at Dalberg, and their daughter.

Lorna was well known in Kenya as a media personality. She hosted Club Kiboko, a children’s show, and the radio show “State of Nation.” She later served as the managing director for Gina Din Group and director at Siwa Communications.

Lorna was introduced to Worldreader through her husband at the World Economic Forum several years ago. That introduction led to many high-energy conversations about the authors and books she loved. Lorna then helped publicize the results of Worldreader’s Anasoma (he/she reads) project in Kenya. We were thrilled when she agreed to join the Board in July 2019. 

Lorna brought valuable expertise to the Board. As an avid reader herself, the board could count on Lorna to come to discussions having done her research. She led thought-provoking conversations on strategy related to education and reading.  She was deeply committed to justice and literacy at all levels. 

Our hearts go out to Lorna’s family. Her contributions to Worldreader were invaluable. She will be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing and working with her.